Intellego new releases

There’s nothing facile or ingratiating about the Intellego wines from Jurgen Gouws which tend towards the “natural” end of the spectrum – some will find them weird while others will appreciate their individuality. “I want to make wines of energy more than attempting to capture varietal character or reflect place of origin,” he says. Tasting notes and ratings for the new releases as follows:

Intellego Chenin Blanc 2019
Approximate retail price: R195

Aromas of pear, white peach, citrus and a hint of leesy character. The palate is lean and fresh to the point of angular with a salty finish. Nothing if not particular.

CE’s rating: 90/100. 

Intellego Elementis 2019
Approximate retail price: R270

From Chenin Blanc, destemmed and fermented on the skins for 13 days. An elusive yet enticing nose of potpourri, herbs, dried peach, orange, ginger and other spice. The palate is light-bodied with quite a hard acidity, the finish very savoury to the point of bitter (alcohol is 11%). For those taken with orange wines, this remains a compelling example.

CE’s rating: 92/100.

Intellego The Sleeping Co-Pilot 2019
Approximate retail price: R270

From Viognier, fermented whole-bunch and kept on the skins for 13 days. This is a curious wine with vague notes of citrus and stone fruit to go with some floral perfume and a little oxidative nuttiness. The palate is light and fresh, the palate very dry and grippy. Not as successful as the maiden vintage 2018.

CE’s rating: 87/100.

Intellego Pink Moustache 2018
Approximate retail price: R140

From 70% Syrah and 30% Cinsault, the latter fermented whole-bunch and kept for three days on the skins – hence the wine’s light red colour. Raspberry and wild strawberry plus a little rose-like perfume. The palate is lean with sour, lemon-like acidity and a very dry finish. Refreshing and more-ish.

CE’s rating: 89/100.

Intellego Kedungu 2018
Approximate retail price: R140

46% Syrah, 41% Cinsault and 13% Mourvèdre. Red and black fruit, black olive, fynbos and a little earthiness on the nose. The palate is light and a little skeletal, the tannins very grippy. As ever, this is pleasantly rustic and something of an acquired taste.

CE’s rating: 91/100.

Intellego Halagasha 2019
Approximate retail price: R215

From Paardeberg Pinotage which underwent a semi-carbonic fermentation. Very attractive notes of musk and rose before red fruit and white pepper. Light-bodied and entirely charming – lovely fruit expression, fresh acidity and fine tannins.

CE’s rating: 92/100.

Intellego Syrah 2018
Approximate retail price: R195

The first time that Gouws utilised grapes from a 2003 Paardeberg vineyard planted on granite. An arresting nose showing black berries, pomegranate, spice and earth. The palate has great depth and density of fruit, bright acidity and fine yet grippy tannins making for a long, dry finish. Incredibly tightly wound and well structured for a wine with an alcohol of just 12% – promises much in time to come.

CE’s rating: 96/100.

Intellego Kolbroek 2017 rated 95/100 on the previous review – see here.

Find our South African wine ratings database here.

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